World View Enterprises' Balloons Will Take People to the Stratosphere

Arizona-based company World View Enterprises is conducting test flights of a special balloon that it hopes will be able to lift people into the stratosphere, the second major layer of Earth's atmosphere.

The company recently conducted a successful test flight of the balloon, that may one day take six passengers to an altitude of 32 km above the earth. This technically isn't 'space' but from that high up, passengers will still be able to enjoy a spectacular view of the curvature of the Earth. The flights will cost $75,000 per person.

The giant balloon, similar to the one used by Felix Baumgartner for his Red Bull-sponsored high-altitude jump, will lift a capsule that is large enough for passengers to walk around in.

World View Enterprises says it is hoping to fly its first passenger in only two years time.